College student's turtle project takes dark twist

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson University student Nathan Weaver set out to determine how to help turtles cross the road. He ended up getting a glimpse into the dark souls of some humans.

Weaver put a realistic rubber turtle in the middle of a lane on a busy road near campus. Then he got out of the way and watched over the next hour as seven drivers swerved and deliberately ran over the animal. Several more apparently tried to hit it but missed.

"I've heard of people and from friends who knew people that ran over turtles. But to see it out here like this was a bit shocking," said Weaver, a 22-year-old senior in Clemson's School of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences.

To seasoned researchers, the practice wasn't surprising.

The number of box turtles is in slow decline, and one big reason is that many wind up as roadkill while crossing the asphalt, a slow-and-steady trip that can take several minutes.

Sometimes humans feel a need to prove they are the dominant species on this planet by taking a two-ton metal vehicle and squishing a defenseless creature under the tires, said Hal Herzog, a Western Carolina University psychology professor.

"They aren't thinking, really. It is not something people think about. It just seems fun at the time," Herzog said. "It is the dark side of human nature."

Herzog asked a class of about 110 students getting ready to take a final whether they had intentionally run over a turtle, or been in a car with someone who did. Thirty-four students raised their hands, about two-thirds of them male, said Herzog, author of a book about humans' relationships with animals, called "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat."

Weaver, who became interested in animals and conservation through the Boy Scouts and TV's "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, wants to figure out the best way to get turtles safely across the road and keep the population from dwindling further.

Among the possible solutions: turtle underpasses or an education campaign aimed at teenagers on why drivers shouldn't mow turtles down.

The first time Weaver went out to collect data on turtles, he chose a spot down the road from a big apartment complex that caters to students. He counted 267 vehicles that passed by, seven of them intentionally hitting his rubber reptile.

He went back out about a week later, choosing a road in a more residential area. He followed the same procedure, putting the fake turtle in the middle of the lane, facing the far side of the road, as if it was early in its journey across. The second of the 50 cars to pass by that day swerved over the center line, its right tires pulverizing the plastic shell.

"Wow! That didn't take long," Weaver said.

Other cars during the hour missed the turtle. But right after his observation period was up, before Weaver could retrieve the model, another car moved to the right to hit the animal as he stood less than 20 feet away.

"One hit in 50 cars is pretty significant when you consider it might take a turtle 10 minutes to cross the road," Weaver said.

Running over turtles even has a place in Southern lore.

In South Carolina author Pat Conroy's semi-autobiographical novel "The Great Santini," a fighter-pilot father squishes turtles during a late-night drive when he thinks his wife and kids are asleep. His wife confronts him, saying: "It takes a mighty brave man to run over turtles."

The father denies it at first, then claims he hits them because they are a road hazard. "It's my only sport when I'm traveling," he says. "My only hobby."

That hobby has been costly to turtles.

It takes a turtle seven or eight years to become mature enough to reproduce, and in that time, it might make several trips across the road to get from one pond to another, looking for food or a place to lay eggs. A female turtle that lives 50 years might lay over 100 eggs, but just two or three are likely to survive to reproduce, said Weaver's professor, Rob Baldwin.

Snakes also get run over deliberately. Baldwin wishes that weren't the case, but he understands, considering the widespread fear and loathing of snakes. But why anyone would want to run over turtles is a mystery to the professor.

"They seem so helpless and cute," he said. "I want to stop and help them. My kids want to stop and help them. My wife will stop and help turtles no matter how much traffic there is on the road. I can't understand the idea why you would swerve to hit something so helpless as a turtle."

Source: http://www.keprtv.com/news/offbeat/College-students-turtle-project-takes-dark-twist-184958711.html

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Haiti's president performed a duet with Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias in a cele...

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Become The Top Dog In The Dog-Eat-Dog World Of Internet Marketing

There is always more to learn about Internet marketing. Internet marketing is evolving on a daily basis, so there?s always room for growth when it comes to knowledge. The advice in this article will help your internet marketing business to improve.

Make your website unique and different! Web surfers have so many choices these days when it comes to websites, so you really need to put legitimate energy into developing a site that is unique and engaging. A simple way to do this, is by highlighting a special service that you offer.

TIP! Small sellers may be overwhelmed by how competitive the online market is. There are a couple things you can do to try and stay ahead of the game.

When your consumer has purchased your service or product, up-sell them by forwarding an online classification or product list with links to corresponding products they might be interested in. If someone comes to your site and buys a football, email them links to other sports gear. You can increase your sales by targeting you marketing efforts based on past purchases.

If your internet marketing plan is well-thought and solid, then you most likely know what is most profitable. Your next step should be to use them as flagpoles for additional sales. When a customer buys one product, always recommend a related product or accessory. This will help some of your other products get a sales boost from your best sellers, and they will require less advertising than other products that don?t have some kind of tie-in.

Internet marketing is geared around the quality of your website. Test your site regularly; make sure you fix any broken images, bad links or site glitches that may appear. When a visitor finds navigation challenging, your products become less important.

Html Tags

It is important that you know when and how to use HTML tags. HTML tags have important things on your page, also they can be put into bold. Search engines will often judge your website based on what terms your HTML tags emphasize. It?s important, then, to emphasize the keywords that are most essential for your SEO.

View your site from your customer?s point of view. Is your site user friendly? Is it enjoyable to look at? Can your orders be placed quickly and clearly? It?s pointless to get customers on your page via SEO only to lose their business because your page is boring or confusing.

TIP! Make useful information available to your readers on the internet to promote your small business. Strive to make your content valuable and unique.

Deal with all customer complaints directly. You may think it is easier to have someone else do it and want to contract an outside company for the work, but you should do this yourself. If you have a complaint, be sure you personally address their concern, and work with them.

Conducting interviews with renowned experts in your field can be a very effective marketing tool that will boost the authoritative content on your website and attract new customers from enhanced traffic. You can conduct this interview via video or audio. Your interview will increase your own reputation through osmosis, and really high-profile interviewees will bring along fresh visitors with them, boosting your website?s traffic.

You should include a section on your site for customer contacts. People enjoy reading what others have written about any product they are considering. This produces a sense of comfort for your customer, and ordering your product is more likely.

TIP! If you make any sort of claim in your ads, you must also ensure that you can support it with hard evidence. A large percentage of Internet users are wary of online claims.

Create a bond of loyalty with you customers and they will continue to support your business. Show your readers how your products can help them enhance their lives and fullfil their needs. The advertising copy you write must get readers to imagine all of the fantastic features of your product.

Researching your competition provides you with important information you can use in your internet marketing campaign. Every market out there has many businesses competing for clients.

Consider using words like ?easy? and ?simple? as a part of your Internet marketing strategy. People like products that are simple to use. Your business can increase by a lot when you do this.

Banner Ads

Craft your banner ads so that they stand out from the other million banner ads on the web. You will see a lot more responses if you think outside the box when you design banner ads.

Mobile marketing is a new conduit to customers that deserves your consideration. Text notifications are a great way to let your visitors know there is a promotion on. This up-and-coming form of advertising can really help your marketing campaigns.

TIP! A short-term sales promotion can quickly improve your website?s PageRank. You can also ?buy? PageRank by getting deal sites and consumer news sites to link to your page.

Considering offering a subscription service to your customers for products that they purchase from your website. If someone buys printer ink at regular intervals, ask them to sign up to get a new shipment every few months at 25% off.

Making and uploading a viral video and including tags in your video will aid in your internet marketing success. Also put a link back to your site within the description of the video. This can help attract new customers.

Talk with other businesses, and discuss the idea of packaging goods you both provide. Try linking a variety of different markets. Doing this will increase overall sales. An example of this would be using an online book agent. They help to negotiate prices for people to make sure they get the best rates on things like airfare, hotels and car rentals. This technique is especially useful for merchants that offer products that complement each other, but you have to remember to use merchants that aren?t in direct competition.

TIP! You will need to attract people to make money. Split testing is an effective way to determine best methods since it offers different web pages to different groups.

When it comes to Internet marketing, be sure customers are aware that your site?s checkout process is secure. Guarantee the security of your customer?s information so they are not leery of sharing it with you.

Internet Marketing

Fortunately, there is plenty of information about how to do better Internet marketing. You don?t have to become an Internet marketing expert. Small useful hints will give you success to help you learn more and give you valuable experience in success. There are plenty of informational sources online that are simple and easy to understand that will help you become a better Internet marketer. Watch closely and be aware of your results so that you can constantly improve.

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Source: http://www.empowernetwork.com/joemallon/blog/become-the-top-dog-in-the-dog-eat-dog-world-of-internet-marketing/

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leblancesmatt: Education & Reference 2016: Petal the Owl Colours

Buy on the merchant's online shopping and browse reviews. If you're attempting to search out Petal the Owl Colours with special deals. This is the simplest price for you. Where you'll find these item is by online looking stores? Read the review on Petal the Owl Colours Now, it's the simplest value. Therefore do not lose it.

Petal the Owl Colours
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Download: $1.99 (as of 12/25/2012 14:14 PST)

Education & Reference

Petal the Owl Colours is a sweet little ebook following Petal the nature owl, as she learns about colours around her. It is a great little first reader ebook for young ones learning their basics. Colours cover Brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink and white. Ages 3-6.

• Rank: #1521 in eBooks
• Published on: 2012-05-04
• Released on: 2012-05-04
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• Number of items: 1

Source: http://educationreference234.blogspot.com/2012/12/petal-owl-colours.html

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Source: http://hugohammond.typepad.com/blog/2012/12/education-reference-2016-petal-the-owl-colours.html

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Source: http://capaciousness-wallenstein.blogspot.com/2012/12/education-reference-2016-petal-owl.html

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Source: http://leblancesmatt.blogspot.com/2012/12/education-reference-2016-petal-owl.html

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Stocks extend losses ahead of 'fiscal cliff' talks

1 day

JeeYeon Park , CNBC

Stocks took another beating for the fifth-consecutive session Friday, with the Dow logging its worst weekly drop in six, after a report that President Barack Obama said he is not going to make a new budget offer during the "fiscal cliff" summit at the White House.

Instead, Obama plans to lay out what is clear can pass with a majority in both the House and Senate and what most American people support, which includes protecting everyone making $250,000 and less from seeing their taxes go up.

The?Dow Jones Industrial Average?dropped 158.20 points, or 1.21 percent, to close at 12.938.11, dragged down?by?Hewlett-Packard?and?ExxonMobil.

The?S&P 500?slumped 15.67 points, or 1.11 percent, to end at 1,402.43. The?Nasdaq?declined 25.60 points, or 0.86 percent, to finish at 2,960.31. The?CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, spiked to close above 22 for the first time since June.

For the week, the?Dow?tumbled 1.92 percent, the?S&P 500?fell 1.94 percent, and the?Nasdaq?dropped 2.01 percent. Most Dow components ended in the red for the week, dragged by?Hewlett-Packard?and?Microsoft, while?Bank of America?squeezed out a small gain.

"Traders are so cautious and investors are also worried," said Stephen Guilfoyle of Meridian Equity Partners.?

President Barack Obama?met with a bi-partisan group of congressional leaders?at the White House, just days before the deadline to reach a deal or see the a series of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes come into force. If a deal is not possible, Obama and the leaders would leave the resolution to the next Congress to address in January.

Earlier, stocks came off their lows as investors latched onto a glimmer of hope amid reports of?progress toward a potential deal. According to sources, negotiations revolved around permitting taxes to rise to Clinton-era levels on incomes above $400,000, the level in Obama's last offer to Republican House Speaker John Boehner before their negotiations fell apart earlier this month.

Hewlett-Packard?confirmed that the Justice Department is looking into its allegations that?Autonomy?engaged in accounting fraud prior to its acquisition by HP last year.

Apple?dipped after a Chinese court fined the iPhone maker $160,000 for hosting third-party applications on its App Store that were selling pirated electronic books, Xinhua news agency said. Apple shares have declined nearly 25 percent in the last three months. The stock hit an all-time high of $705 in mid-September.

Barnes & Noble?jumped after British publisher?Pearson?said it will buy a 5 percent stake in the bookstore chain's digital Nook and college bookstore businesses for $89.5 million. Separately, Barnes & Noble said it expects holiday sales to be below forecasts and that its Nook business will not meet prior full-year 2013 projections.

Among airlines, Raymond James raised its price target on?Delta Airlines,?Southwest Airlines,?U.S. Airways,?Spirit Airlines?and?Alaska Air.

On the economic front, pending home sales rose to the highest level in more than 2-1/2 years, climbing 1.7 percent in November, according to the National Association of Realtors.?

And the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said its index of Midwest business activity rose to 51.6 in December from 50.4 in November, edging past expectations for 51.0.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/wall-street-extends-losses-week-1C7753031

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When Lifelong Learning Is A MUST! - Swiss Style Magazine

For many corporate managers, small-business owners, and other professionals, the question on their minds may very well be ?Did I make my numbers?? Their point of reference, though, is not sales figures but rather passing grades.

Welcome to the rest of your life

Today?s highly competitive global economy demands employees be equipped with the latest knowledge and most thorough education, making continuous adult and professional learning an integral part of life. The Geneva region?s largest centre for professional and continuing education, IFAGE (Institut de formation des adultes de Gen?ve), offers a wide range of courses for interested individuals and business professionals eager to add another dimension to their education and skills. Famous management and leadership gurus like Peter Drucker claim the enhancement of knowledge and skills is one the main challenges of business in the 21st century. Recognising the crucial role of information in modern society, Drucker states that ?in no other way can developed countries hope to maintain their positions as top economies, let alone to maintain their leadership and their standards of living, without continuously honing people?s knowledge and productivity?.

As Drucker predicted, globalisation has created an environment of fierce competition among multinational and transnational companies in which new political powers and rising economies are taking their places on the world stage. As a result, the battle for talent has become the new rule of the day. For Jeremy Annen, Managing Director at IFAGE, professional life is no longer a lake of still waters. ?Gone are the days when an entire career is spent working at one job in the same business enterprise,? he says. ?Today, the fast-evolving workplace requires us to adjust and change jobs at least four times over the course of our careers,? he added.

In a land famous for its rail system, this train of thought is common. Switzerland has recently topped the list of the world?s most competitive economies once again. This accolade comes in no small part for the general recognition that the most important asset of any business is a staff of highly educated and skilled employees. Long before people- centred, knowledge-based management theories were branded like banner flags, Switzerland understood that its paucity of natural resources placed an increased importance on the resources it does have: human beings.

Switzerland?s dynamism is a reflection of its high standard of education at all levels. Swiss universities consistently figure among the top 100 in the world and the country?s vocational training system assures a pool of high-quality and innovative skilled workers exists in a variety of specific fields. However, a recent study by Dr Philipp Gonon of the University of Zurich on the challenges in the Swiss vocational education and training system reports that the apprenticeship market in crisis. He reports a dwindling number of enterprises involved in the program and the ensuing difficulty of would-be apprentices in finding placements. Also, some companies are now favouring apprentices with academic qualifications. According to the report, the future lies in a proper balance and integration of the different educational systems. For those who choose the apprenticeship path, the Swiss education matrix offers the option of earning a professional baccalaureate that guarantees eventual access to higher education. Others continue to learn and acquire new skills through various institutions?both public and private?offering adult learning programs.

However, maintaining economic competitiveness does not end with acquiring a diploma. Adult learning and continuing education play a vital role in keeping the country up to scratch. Eurostat files on lifelong learning showed in 2010 that 30% of Swiss in the 25-64 age bracket continue to take part in education and learning?one of the highest rates in Europe. The Swiss Federation for Adult Learning reports that over two million people participate in the country?s adult education program every year.

Adult Education Open to Everyone

Jeremy Annen of IFAGE

IFAGE was created through the 1998 merger of two educational institutions specialising in commerce and industry, namely the Cours Commerciaux de Gen?ve and the Cours Industriels de Gen?ve. A nonprofit foundation since 2000, IFAGE is now a leader in providing the Geneva/Vaud/French border region with a wide range of high standard study options in continuing adult and professional education. Now, twelve years after its founding, nearly 10,000 students a year take courses at IFAGE in classrooms and through inhouse training and distance-mode education.

One of the goals of IFAGE is to provide reality-based knowledge and skills that correspond to the evolving needs of the marketplace on a continuing basis. For example, more than 200 language courses in 12 languages are offered on various levels, tailored specifically to specialised needs

such as Business English, French For Nurses, and German For Receptionists. IFAGE is an accredited centre for proficiency examinations for many languages and awards language diplomas recognised nationally and internationally.

In addition to the language courses, IFAGE provides basic skills training to diploma level in various fields
such as computer science, accounting, business management, public relations, banking and finance, and business administration, among others. These courses are offered with flexibility regarding class hours and training so that working professionals and busy parents can attend night classes and business enterprises can opt for in-house employee training.

Customised, In-house Courses And Training

One of the strengths of IFAGE lies in study and training courses customised to the needs of junior executives and managers as well as to employees of both local and international business enterprises and organisations. Whether it is a desire for language perfection or a need to acquire specific knowledge and skills, IFAGE collaborates attentively with companies and their employees through participative evaluation and individual interviews in order to design and provide the most appropriate courses and training programs. These in-house programs, based on market and workplace realities, allow flexibility and give clear training objectives that respond to the needs of employees and their companies.

Whether senior manager, junior executive, nonworking parent, or simply someone who wants to broaden professional horizons, IFAGE offers a panoply of choices in adult education.

Article by Jane Tenorio Demaurex

Tagged as: continuing education, IFAGE

Source: http://www.swissstyle.com/lifelong-learning

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Survey finds increase in e-reading, drop in paper

2 hrs.

The Associated Press

The tastes of the reading public are turning digital.

A Pew Internet Research Center survey released Thursday found that the percentage of Americans aged 16 and older who read an e-book grew from 16 percent in 2011 to 23 percent this year. Readers of traditional books dropped from 72 percent to 67 percent. Overall, those reading books of any kind dropped from 78 percent to 75 percent, a shift Pew called statistically insignificant.

Those owning an e-book device or tablet jumped from 18 percent to 33 percent, with much of that increase coming from last year's holiday season, when millions received Kindles, Nooks and other e-readers as gifts.

Awareness that libraries offer digital texts grew from 24 percent to 31 percent.

The telephone survey of 2,252 people aged 16 and older was conducted from Oct. 15 to Nov. 10. It has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 2.3 percentage points.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/survey-finds-increase-e-reading-drop-paper-1C7661434

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REWIND: International Business News #50

-???????? NRA to Lobby Against Firearms Treaty: The United States? most powerful pro-gun group, the National Rifle Association (?NRA?) is vowing to contest a newly proposed international treaty aimed at regulating the $70B per year international firearms trade. While arms control has become a frontpage issue in the United States in the wake of the horrific shooting in Newtown, CT, it appears that the treaty would have little chance of success in the Senate, where pro-gun Senators have vowed to block the treaty.

-???????? World Watches as US Nears Fiscal Cliff: US taxpayers are in for a nasty surprise on January 1^st unless the federal government can reach a deal to avoid a massive set of tax increases and defense spending cuts. As both sides start to divvy up blame, a deal appears increasingly less likely. US and world financial markets have become more jittery and dropped in recent days as the world braces for the impact a failed deal would have.

-???????? Germany Creates National Gun Registry: The German federal government now has a list of every legal gun owner in the country. Compiling information from many local and state registries, has painted a clearer picture of gun ownership within the country. There are roughly 5.5M legally registered guns in the country, along with roughly 1.4M gun owners ? approximately 4 guns per owner.? All EU countries are required to create such a registry by 2015.

-???????? Bermuda to Become Hub of Fixed Annuity Reinsurance?: At least one high-level fixed-income manager thinks so. However,? According to a report published in Bermuda?s Royal Gazette, Cliff Corso, CEO and chief investment officer of Cutwater Asset Management, predicts that the tiny island nation could play a big role in the fixed annuity reinsurance market. He noted:

?I think there?s a huge demand for reinsurance for fixed annuity life contracts?one of the greatest benefits, in terms of supply to Bermuda, is that, given the rate curve and where it sits today, and given the capital requirements of the insurers, there?s still a significant potential supply of reinsurance in fixed annuity life into Bermuda. There are already some players, but I think there will probably be more entrants coming to the Island to handle the potential demand for reinsurance. That?s our view, given the dynamics of the rate environment, and given the attractiveness of Bermuda as a place that is innovative and solution-oriented and that?s proven.

Bermuda has long been a center of offshore banking and insurance, but the country?s economy was hard hit by the worldwide economic crisis. Might Bermuda be poised to bounce back? Only time will tell, but a rejuvenated reinsurance market would certainly be a shot in the arm for both sectors.

Source: http://www.bizwithoutborders.com/rewind/rewind-international-business-news-50/

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FBI removes many redactions in Marilyn Monroe file

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? FBI files on Marilyn Monroe that could not be located earlier this year have been found and re-issued, revealing the names of some of the movie star's communist-leaning friends who drew concern from government officials and her own entourage.

But the records, which previously had been heavily redacted, do not contain any new information about Monroe's death 50 years ago. Letters and news clippings included in the files show the bureau was aware of theories the actress had been killed, but they do not show that any effort was undertaken to investigate the claims. Los Angeles authorities concluded Monroe's death was a probable suicide.

Recently obtained by The Associated Press through the Freedom of Information Act, the updated FBI files do show the extent the agency was monitoring Monroe for ties to communism in the years before her death in August 1962.

The records reveal that some in Monroe's inner circle were concerned about her association with Frederick Vanderbilt Field, who was disinherited from his wealthy family over his leftist views.

A trip to Mexico earlier that year to shop for furniture brought Monroe in contact with Field, who was living in the country with his wife in self-imposed exile. Informants reported to the FBI that a "mutual infatuation" had developed between Field and Monroe, which caused concern among some in her inner circle, including her therapist, the files state.

"This situation caused considerable dismay among Miss Monroe's entourage and also among the (American Communist Group in Mexico)," the file states. It includes references to an interior decorator who worked with Monroe's analyst reporting her connection to Field to the doctor.

Field's autobiography devotes an entire chapter to Monroe's Mexico trip, "An Indian Summer Interlude." He mentions that he and his wife accompanied Monroe on shopping trips and meals and he only mentions politics once in a passage on their dinnertime conversations.

"She talked mostly about herself and some of the people who had been or still were important to her," Field wrote in "From Right to Left." ''She told us about her strong feelings for civil rights, for black equality, as well as her admiration for what was being done in China, her anger at red-baiting and McCarthyism and her hatred of (FBI director) J. Edgar Hoover."

Under Hoover's watch, the FBI kept tabs on the political and social lives of many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Monroe's ex-husband Arthur Miller. The bureau has also been involved in numerous investigations about crimes against celebrities, including threats against Elizabeth Taylor, an extortion case involving Clark Gable and more recently, trying to solve who killed rapper Notorious B.I.G.

The AP had sought the removal of redactions from Monroe's FBI files earlier this year as part of a series of stories on the 50th anniversary of Monroe's death. The FBI had reported that it had transferred the files to a National Archives facility in Maryland, but archivists said the documents had not been received. A few months after requesting details on the transfer, the FBI released an updated version of the files that eliminate dozens of redactions.

For years, the files have intrigued investigators, biographers and those who don't believe Monroe's death at her Los Angeles area home was a suicide.

A 1982 investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office found no evidence of foul play after reviewing all available investigative records, but noted that the FBI files were "heavily censored."

That characterization intrigued the man who performed Monroe's autopsy, Dr. Thomas Noguchi. While the DA investigation concluded he conducted a thorough autopsy, Noguchi has conceded that no one will likely ever know all the details of Monroe's death. The FBI files and confidential interviews conducted with the actress' friends that have never been made public might help, he wrote in his 1983 memoir "Coroner."

"On the basis of my own involvement in the case, beginning with the autopsy, I would call Monroe's suicide 'very probable,'" Noguchi wrote. "But I also believe that until the complete FBI files are made public and the notes and interviews of the suicide panel released, controversy will continue to swirl around her death."

Monroe's file begins in 1955 and mostly focuses on her travels and associations, searching for signs of leftist views and possible ties to communism. One entry, which previously had been almost completely redacted, concerned intelligence that Monroe and other entertainers sought visas to visit Russia that year.

The file continues up until the months before her death, and also includes several news stories and references to Norman Mailer's biography of the actress, which focused on questions about whether Monroe was killed by the government.

For all the focus on Monroe's closeness to suspected communists, the bureau never found any proof she was a member of the party.

"Subject's views are very positively and concisely leftist; however, if she is being actively used by the Communist Party, it is not general knowledge among those working with the movement in Los Angeles," a July 1962 entry in Monroe's file states.

___

Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/fbi-removes-many-redactions-marilyn-monroe-file-131729814.html

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'Shocking Family Secrets': Woman Leads Double Life As Teacher And Dominatrix (VIDEO)

"The Biggest Loser"

Returns Sunday, January 6 at 9 p.m. EST and moves to regular timeslot on Monday, January 7 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Jillian Michaels! She's back to help whip contestants into shape. Plus, for the first time, kids (ages 13-16) will be on the show along with 15 adult contestants.

"The Bachelor"

Returns Monday, January 7 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Sean Lowe <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Jilted "Bachelorette" contestant Sean returns to TV as "The Bachelor" and seeks to find love.

"Deception"

Monday, January 7 at 10 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>Starring</strong>: Meagan Good, Laz Alonso, Tate Donovan and Victor Garber <strong>What's It About</strong>: A wealthy socialite and party girl is found dead of an overdose, but something's fishy about her death. Enter FBI Agent Will Moreno (Alonso), who recruits his former partner Joanna Padget (Good), the deceased's former best friend. Joanna hides her true occupation and infiltrates the family she grew up around to find the truth about her friend's death.

"Betty White's Off Their Rockers"

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Betty White will entertain a ton of guest stars while introducing the elderly pranksters. Kim Kardashian, the ladies of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Ed Asner and NeNe Leakes are among the names who will appear on the prank show.

"Pretty Little Liars"

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC Family. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Toby is on the A Team, Garrett's dead, Aria's dad has some strange connection to Ali, Paige saved the day and Ezra's a dad ... and Alex Mack is his baby mama. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Mona is released from Radley and is back at Rosewood High. Clearly, she'll be working with Toby, who the liars are still in the dark about. It's only a matter of time before Spencer learns the truth ... and starts to lose it. Dr. Sullivan will return, hopefully to prevent any breakdowns. Plus, we'll see more about what the hell Byron was doing with Ali the night she died.

"Cougar Town"

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 10 p.m. EST on TBS. <strong>Where We Left Off: </strong>Jules and Grayson had a quickie beachfront wedding and rode off into the distance on horseback. <strong>What's Ahead: </strong>For starters, it's on TBS! Everybody's favorite wine-guzzlin' crew will be joined by guest stars Alexndra Wentworth, Shirley Jones, Gillian Vigman, Tippi Herden and more.

"Justified"

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 10 p.m. EST on FX. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: In Season 3, Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) prevented carpetbagger/gangster Robert Quarles from establishing a criminal network in Harlan, but a pregnant Winona left the US Marshal and he found out his father shot a good man. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) will no doubt continue to be a thorn in Raylan's side.

"Stars In Danger: The High Dive"

Wednesday January, 9 at 8 p.m. EST on Fox <strong>Starring</strong>: JWoww, Bethany Hamilton, Alexandra Paul, Kim Richards, Kyle Richards, David Chokachi, Terrell Owens, Antonio Sabato Jr. <strong>What's It About:</strong> C-list celebrities learn to dive like the pros with the help of Olympian Troy Dumais.

"1600 Penn"

Thursday, January 10 at 9:30 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>Starring</strong>: Josh Gad, Bill Pullman, Jenna Elfman <strong>What's It About</strong>: The Gilchrists are your typical American family ... they just so happen to be the first family of the United States. Gad stars as the hapless son of President Dale Gilchrist (Pullman) and stepson of Emily (Elfman).

"Girls"

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Jessa bizarrely got married, Shoshanna slept with Ray, Hannah and Adam broke up and Marnie still misses Charlie. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: After months of criticism, Hannah makes a black friend (or more than a friend) -- and it's Donald Glover. Patrick Wilson will also play a love interest for Hannah later in the season and Shiri Appleby joins Season 2 as Adam's new girlfriend, much to Hannah's dismay. Elijah moves in with Hannah -- and starts to question his sexuality. Shoshanna is dealing with her post-sex relationship with Ray. Plus, Rita Wilson will stop by to play Marnie's mom and to help her shape up.

"Shameless"

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Karen had her and Lip's baby and fled, prompting Lip to move back home and go back to school. Estefania and Marco were on the verge of breaking up and in happier news, Fiona passed her GED. ("Teen Mom's" Amber: Take note.) <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: It's 137 days since we?ve last seen the Gallagher's. Jimmy has moved into the house with them and Fiona uses the family's money in desperation and the others aren't too pleased. Oh and (shocker) Frank's missing.

"Enlightened"

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9:30 p.m. EST <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Following her very public breakdown, Amy (Laura Dern) returned to work with a positive outlook ... only to start down the path of revenge after being laughed at by her coworkers. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Will Amy return to the path of enlightenment?

"House of Lies"

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 10 p.m. EST on Showtime. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Did they or didn't they? Marty (Don Cheadle) and Jeannie (Kristen Bell) ended the season with a romp in the sheets ... maybe. They've gotten rid of the Rainmaker and stand triumphant. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Galweather Stearn brings in a new CEO who's all about female power. Adam Brody returns to TV with a guest role.

"Californication"

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 10:30 p.m. EST on Showtime. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: After Bates left Karen, Hank sees an opportunity. But when his ex Carrie returns and offers him an anti-depressant-laced drink, Hank loses consciousness just after seeing a vision of Karen, to whom he says, "I love you." <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Hank is penning a rock opera "about love conquering all" with Atticus Fetch (Tim Minchin), a coked up rock star. Maggie Grace has a nine-episode arc as infamous rock groupie Faith, who becomes involved with Hank, and in one episode, Grace's former "Lost" co-star Jorge Garcia will appear as an old contact from Faith's past. Season 6 will also see a guest appearance from Marilyn Manson.

"The Carrie Diaries"

Monday, January 14 at 8 p.m. EST on The CW <strong>Starring:</strong> AnnaSophia Robb, Freema Agyeman, Chloe Bridges, Austin Butler and more. <strong>What's It About:</strong> A prequel to "Sex and the City," the new CW series follows Carrie Bradshaw as a high schooler in the '80s. She's discovering her style, dating, dealing with the death of her mother and falling in love for the first time ... with Manhattan.

"Lost Girl"

Returns Monday, January 14 at 10 p.m. EST on Syfy <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Victory! But the darkness continues to grow in Bo (Anna Silk). <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Bo must make a deadly decision. Plus, tune in for guest star Linda Hamilton and recurring guest star Rachel Skarsten.

"American Idol"

Returns Wednesday, January 16 at 8 p.m. EST on Fox <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Feuds! Divas! Dawgs! Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban join the judging panel alongside veteran Randy Jackson for Season 12.

"Anger Management"

Returns Thursday, January 17 at 9 p.m. EST on FX. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: After Charlie and Kate slept together, they were in a weird place with their relationship. And when Charlie's daughter Sam kissed a girl at school, a photo wound up on Facebook and Charlie and Jennifer questioned their daughter's sexual orientation. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: 70+ more episodes. And in Season 2, Charlie will blow up at his sister's baby shower and will question if his father Martin is developing Alzheimer's. Cee Lo Green will stop by as a version of himself, seeking Charlie's assistance under Hollywood pressure.

"Archer"

Returns Thursday, January 17 at 10 p.m. EST on FX. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: The ISIS crew -- including Archer -- were held captive on the Space Station Horizon <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: A "Bob's Burgers" crossover! H. Jon Benjamin provides the voice of both Archer and Bob.

"The Following"

Monday, January 21 at 9 p.m. EST on Fox <strong>Starring</strong>: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, Natalie Zea, Annie Parisse <strong>What's It About</strong>: Ryan Hardy's (Bacon) been out of the FBI game for a while, that is until his biggest catch, serial killer Joe Carroll (Purefoy) resurfaces ... along with a cult-like following ready to carry out his bidding.

"The Taste"

Tuesday, January 22 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludo Lefebvre, Brian Malarkey <strong>What's It About</strong>: Think "The Voice" (there are teams and coaches), plus "Top Chef" (culinary competition) and you've got ABC's "The Taste."

"White Collar"

Returns Tuesday, January 22 at 10 p.m. EST on USA <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Peter (Tim DeKay) and Neal (Matt Bomer) stepped into the boxing ring to infiltrate a white collar boxing club. Neal discovered his father was still alive (and played by Treat Williams!) <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Peter and Neal search for the truth about Neal's dad and his crimes and Neal goes undercover with the Irish mob ... And hopefully, more boxing.

"Dallas"

Returns Wednesday, January 28 at 9 p.m. EST on TNT. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Slaps, sex and secrets filled the first season of the new "Dallas." The season ended with John Ross (Josh Henderson) teaming up with J.R. (Larry Hagman) to destroy Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) and Elena (Jordana Brewster). <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Familiar faces return and the Ewings say goodbye to J.R. after series star Larry Hagman passed away about half way into filming Season 2. Producers will incorporate his death into the story.

"The Americans"

Wednesday, January 30 at 10 p.m. EST on FX. <strong>Starring</strong>: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich <strong>What's It About</strong>: Elizabeth (Russell) and Phillip (Rhys) Jennings are the perfect couple: They've got two kids and are living the life of every American in the '80s ... but they just so happen to be KGB spies posing as regular ol' US citizens.

"Do No Harm"

Thursday, January 31at 10 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>Starring:</strong> Steven Pasquale, Alana de la Garza, Phylicia Rash?d, John Carroll Lynch <strong>What's It About: </strong>A brilliant neurosurgeon (Pasquale) has a big secret: a very villainous dual personality. It's a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde story mixed with a medical drama.

"Rules of Engagement"

Returns Monday, February 4 at 8:30 p.m. EST on CBS <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Audrey (Megyn Price) was upstaged at her own baby shower by Brenda (Sara Rue). Meanwhile, Russell (David Spade) started to display creative talents after taking a break from women. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Sitcom hijinks!

"Smash"

Returns Tuesday, February 5 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC and moves to its normal Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST timeslot on February 12 on NBC <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Karen (Katharine McPhee) wowed the crowd as Marilyn Monroe in previews of "Bombshell" in Boston. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: More Broadway drama! There's a new musical in town that could rival "Bombshell" for all the buzz. Plus guest stars Jennifer Hudson, Liza Minnelli, Sean Hayes, Jesse L. Martin and more.

"Body of Proof"

Returns Tuesday, February 5 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Peter (Nicholas Bishop) saved Megan (Dana Delany) from a serial killer, but was stabbed in the process. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: New blood! Bishop, John Carroll Lynch and Sonja Sohn are out and Mark Valley is in.

"Community"

Returns Thursday, February 7 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Evil Abed, "lawsuits" and sandwich shops filled the "Community" Season 3 finale that aired what feels like 30 years ago. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Six seasons and a movie. Just kidding, although that'd be cool (cool cool cool). Malcolm McDowell, Tricia Helfer, Jason Alexander and more will drop by for some Human Beings antics. Plus, Chevy Chase will depart the show.

"Touch"

Returns Friday, February 8 at 8 p.m. EST on Fox <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Martin (Kiefer Sutherland) and Jake (David Mazouz) fled to California and met up with Lucy (Maria Bello). <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Martin (Sutherland) and Jake (David Mazouz) soak up the Los Angeles sun ... and find themselves in the middle of a "global conspiracy."

"Survivor"

Returns Wednesday, February 13 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS <strong>Starring</strong>: Jeff Probst, unnamed contestants <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Fans vs. Favorites, Round 2

"Southland"

Returns Wednesday, February 13 at 10 p.m. EST on TNT. <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Cooper saved Tang, and then Tang got a big promotion becoming sergeant and watch commander. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: "One Tree Hill" star Chad Michael Murray joins the cast as goofball Officer Dave Mendoza.

"Zero Hour"

Thursday, February 14 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Anthony Edwards, Carmen Ejogo, Scott Michael Foster, Addison Timlin, Jacinda Barrett and Michael Nyqvist <strong>What's It About</strong>: Think "National Treasure" and "Da Vinci's Code," but on TV and starring Dr. Greene from "ER." Edwards plays Hank Galliston, the publisher of Modern Skeptic Magazine. When his wife is abducted, Hank and his pals are joined by the FBI as they attempt to crack various conspiracies and get his wife back.

"The Amazing Race"

Returns Sunday, February 17 at 8:00 p.m. EST on CBS <strong>Starring</strong>: Phil Keoghan, unnamed contestants <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Globetrotting adventure.

"Cult"

Tuesday, February 19 at 9 p.m. EST on The CW <strong>Starring:</strong> Matt Davis, Alona Tal, Jessica Lucas, Robert Knepper <strong>What's It About</strong>: Matt Davis stars as Jeff, a journalist who investigates his brother's disappearance and his involvement with a group of obsessive fans who have formed a pseudo-cult around a TV series ... about a cult.

"Golden Boy"

Premieres Tuesday, February 26 at 10 p.m. EST. Special showing on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 p.m. EST before moving to its regular Fridays at 9 p.m. EST time period on March 8 on CBS <strong>Starring</strong>: Theo James, Chi McBride, Kevin Alejandro, Bonnie Somerville <strong>What's It About</strong>: The series charts the rise of Walter William Clark Jr. (James), a beat cop who quickly moves up the ranks of the NYPD before becoming commissioner.

"Psych"

Returns Wednesday, February 27 at 10 p.m. EST <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: Henry (Corbin Bernsen) got back into the detective game with the help of Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill). But the case ended with a bang as Henry was shot by a former friend. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Parminder Nagra joins the cast as a love interest of Gus. Plus, the long-awaited musical episode airs! Look for episodes inspired by "Clue" and "The Blair Witch Project" and for guest stars Jeffrey Tambor and Anthony Michael Hall, as well.

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice"

Sunday, March 3 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>Starring</strong>: Trace Adkins, Stephen Baldwin, Gary Busey, Penn Jillette, Lil Jon, Bret Michaels, Dennis Rodman, Dee Snider, Marilu Henner, La Toya Jackson, Claudia Jordan, Omarosa, Lisa Rinna, Brande Roderick <strong>What's It About</strong>: It's "Celebrity Apprentice," but with contestants who have already been to the boardroom with Donald Trump.

"Red Widow"

Sunday, March 3, 9:00 p.m. EST and moves to its regular timeslot on Sunday, March 10, 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Radha Mitchell, Goran Visnjic, Clifton Collins, Jr., Sterling Beaumon <strong>What's It About</strong>: Marta Walraven (Mitchell)'s husband Evan supports the family by exporting weed and is involved in the world of organized crime with Bratva, Russian gangsters. After Evan's murder, Marta seeks to protect her kids, but gets tangled in the seedy underworld.

"Fashion Star"

Returns Friday, March 8 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos return to the show with new host Louise Roe as 13 new contestants compete for the chance to launch their own clothing line.

"Dancing With the Stars"

Returns Monday, March 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Tom Bergeron, Brooke Burke Charvet, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman and unnamed celebrity contestants. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Celebrities dancing.

"The Voice"

Returns Monday, March 25 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. <strong>Starring</strong>: Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Usher and Shakira <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Presumably, a lot less ridiculously outfits without Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green.

"Game of Thrones"

Returns Sunday, March 31 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO <strong>Where We Left Off</strong>: War came. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/game-of-thrones-finale-recap_b_1566867.html">Read Maureen Ryan's recap for more</a>. <strong>What's Ahead</strong>: Tons of new cast members played by the likes of Diana Rigg, Iwan Rheon, Mackenzie Crook, Clive Russell and many more. Season 3 will be about half of George R.R. Martin's "A Storm of Swords," one of the series' most beloved books.

"How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life)"

Wednesday, April 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins, Brad Garrett <strong>What's It About</strong>: Polly (Chalke) is a recently divorced single mom. Since the divorce, Polly's been having some struggles and decides to move back in with her eccentric parents, Elaine (Perkins) and Max (Garrett). Hijinks ensue.

"Family Tools"

Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC <strong>Starring</strong>: Kyle Bornheimer, J.K. Simmons, Leah Remini <strong>What's It About</strong>: After Tony (Simmons) suffers a heart attack, he's forced to hand over the family handyman business to his bumbling son Jack (Bornheimer).

"The Goodwin Games"

TBA on Fox <strong>Starring</strong>: Becki Newton, Scott Foley, T.J. Miller <strong>What's It About</strong>: Three estranged siblings reunite after the death of their father and unexpectedly find themselves heirs to a $20 million fortune ... if they adhere to their dad's wishes.

"Save Me"

TBA on NBC <strong>Starring:</strong> Anne Heche, Michael Landes and Alexandra Breckenridge. <strong>What's It About: </strong>Anne Heche stars as Beth, a woman whose life -- and marriage -- is falling apart. However, after a new-death experience, Beth claims God starts speaking to her and sets her on a new life path.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/family-secrets-teacher-dominatrix-video_n_2374040.html

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Wall Street drops in thin session, led by retailers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell for a third straight day on Wednesday, dragged lower by retail stocks after a report showed consumers spent less in the holiday shopping season than last year.

Trading was light, with volume at a mere 4.01 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq and NYSE MKT, well below the daily average so far this year of about 6.48 billion shares. The day's volume was the lightest full day of trading so far in 2012. Many senior traders were still on vacation during this holiday-shortened week and major European markets were closed for the day.

Many investors said concerns about the "fiscal cliff" kept shoppers away from stores, suggesting markets may struggle to gain any ground until that issue is resolved. The CBOE Volatility Index <.vix> or VIX, Wall Street's favorite barometer of investor anxiety, rose 4.46 percent, closing above 19 for the first time since November 7.

A number of 2012's strongest performers advanced, a sign that portfolio managers may be engaging in "window dressing," a practice where market participants buy securities with big gains to improve the appearance of their holdings before presenting the results to clients. Bank of America Corp , which has more than doubled in 2012, added 2.6 percent to $11.54 on Wednesday.

Holiday-related sales rose 0.7 percent from October 28 through December 24, compared with a 2 percent increase last year, according to data from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse. The Morgan Stanley retail index <.mvr> skidded 1.8 percent while the SPDR S&P Retail Trust slipped 1.7 percent.

"With the 'fiscal cliff' hanging over our heads, it was hard to convince people to shop, and now it's hard to convince investors that there's any reason to buy going into year-end," said Rick Fier, director of trading at Conifer Securities in New York, which has about $12 billion in assets under administration.

President Barack Obama is due back in Washington early Thursday for a final effort to negotiate a deal with Congress to bridge a series of tax increases and government spending cuts set to begin next week, the so-called "fiscal cliff" many economists worry could push the U.S. economy into recession if it takes effect.

Coach Inc fell 5.9 percent to $54.13 as the S&P 500's biggest decliner, followed by Amazon.com , down 3.9 percent at $248.63, and Abercrombie & Fitch , off 3.5 percent at $45.44. Ralph Lauren Corp , Limited Brands and Gap Inc also ranked among the S&P 500's biggest decliners.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.dji> slipped 24.49 points, or 0.19 percent, to 13,114.59 at the close. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.spx> shed 6.83 points, or 0.48 percent, to 1,419.83. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.ixic> dropped 22.44 points, or 0.74 percent, to 2,990.16.

J.C. Penney Co was a notable exception to the weakness in retail stocks, surging 4.4 percent to $20.75 as the S&P 500's biggest gainer. It was followed closely by Bank of America and Genworth Financial , which each gained nearly 3 percent for the day.

"People want to show they own names like these, making them prime 'window dressing' candidates," said Wayne Kaufman, chief market analyst at John Thomas Financial in New York.

"Bank of America keeps going up even though it's overbought and you'd expect a pullback at these levels. No one wanted it when it was under $10 a share, but they want it now."

The S&P 500 has fallen 1.5 percent over the past three sessions, the worst three-day decline since mid-November. The Dow Jones Transportation Average <.djt>, viewed as a proxy for business activity, fell 0.6 percent.

A Republican plan that failed to gain traction last week triggered the S&P 500's recent drop, highlighting the market's sensitivity to headlines centered on the budget talks.

During the last five trading days of the year and the first two of next year, it's possible for a "Santa rally" to occur. Since 1928, the S&P 500 has averaged a gain of 1.8 percent during that period and risen 79 percent of the time, according to data from PrinceRidge.

"While it's unlikely there could be a budget deal at any time, no one wants to get in front of that trade," said Conifer's Fier. "Investors can easily make up for any gains when there's more action in 2013."

Data showed U.S. single-family home prices rose in October, reinforcing the view that the domestic real estate market is improving, as the S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas gained 0.7 percent in October on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Decliners outnumbered advancers on the New York Stock Exchange by a ratio of about 2 to 1, while on the Nasdaq, more than five stocks fell for every three that rose.

(Editing by Jan Paschal)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stock-futures-edge-ahead-cliff-talk-resumption-122640296--sector.html

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They?re Just People Looking From the East (Unqualified Offerings)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/273440306?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Mobile Health in 2013: The Future of Medicine

Thanks to a boom in digital health, the smartphone has assumed the role of everything from an ever-present fitness coach to FDA-approved heart monitor. And, as consumers move to mobile platforms, surveys show that more people are not only turning to their mobile devices for health information, they?re quickly imbuing the new technology with a great deal of trust (maybe too much trust given the poor quality of many apps currently available). ?A study earlier this month from Royal Philips Electronics found that nearly a third of Americans said they use interactive health applications or symptom checker websites instead of going to the doctor. But as some point out, the adoption of mobile health apps has been uneven, with most consumers gravitating to those for exercise, diet and weight and doctors indicating interest in, but not necessarily widespread adoption of, mobile apps.

Read the full story at Giga OM.

Source: http://www.shellypalmer.com/2012/12/mobile-health-in-2013/

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Use Facebook to Spam Everyone a Happy New Year Right at Midnight on January 1st

New Years Eve can get a little crazy, and if you try to wish everyone you know luck for 2013 just as as the ball drops, you will fail. Hammering out dozens of messages on your phone with your clumsy midnight fingers over clogged data airwaves will not work. Sorry. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/VogU-fvUIJg/use-facebook-to-spam-everyone-a-happy-new-year-right-at-midnight-on-january-1st

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Let Old Complaints Be Forgot

Emily Yoffe

Photograph by Teresa Castracane.

Get Dear Prudence delivered to your inbox each week; click here to sign up. Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com. (Questions may be edited.)

This year a bumper crop of letter writers let me know what happened after I answered their questions, a trend I encourage. The most recent was from Want To Be a Dad, the white guy with an infertile Asian wife who concluded as long as they were going to use an egg donor he?d like the donor to be white. I gave him hell and told him it was a good thing he ran this by me before bringing it up with his wife. He wrote back: ?I have decided that this isn't something worth risking upsetting her with so I am going to keep my thoughts to myself. I'm fine with having a biracial kid and if my wife makes it clear one way or another that's what she wants, that's what she'll get. But if we're choosing between whites and Asians I will lean toward a white donor.?

As an unexpected bookend, I got a follow-up letter from a father who wrote in last year with his own donor-egg dilemma. His wife had been reluctant to tell their twins they?d been conceived using a donor egg, as she feared they would feel she wasn?t really their mother. I said that the husband shouldn?t tell unilaterally, but he should encourage the wife to change her mind and that talking to a support group of people who?ve used egg donors might make her more comfortable and provide advice on how to tell the kids. Here?s what happened, according to the husband: ?You were the first person I reached out to, and it took another year, but my wife finally just relaxed and told me to go ahead and tell the twins the whole story. It turns out she was just really afraid that her kids would disown her in some way or not love her anymore. It was just the opposite! The twins were surprised, but their view of her as their mother hasn't changed. They are more grateful than ever that she went to such lengths to bring them into the world.They have no real interest in the egg donor herself either. The subject is now totally dead after only a week or so.? I was delighted to hear the mother came around and got such a loving response. But I did tell the father that while the subject may be dead for now, the children might get more interested later, and they should make sure the subject is not taboo.

In April I ran a letter from a young widower whose wife had been an older woman with a grown daughter. He and his stepdaughter had been providing emotional support for each other; then the stepdaughter confessed she was developing romantic feelings for him. He was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions and wondered what he should do. I said since this young woman had been his stepdaughter for a decade, it would just be wrong to start a romantic relationship with her. I solicited a follow-up from him, and he wrote that shortly after her confession, he went to see his stepdaughter and explained that they could never have a relationship. ?She was very upset that I seemed not to reciprocate her feelings. Why was she not good enough? Had she done something wrong? Was there someone else? On and on. Finally I just walked out and left her crying, alone, and utterly devastated. I was dumbfounded, the world was sideways and everything was just gray.? Shortly afterward he was sent overseas for a months-long work trip. He alerted his stepdaughter of his return and she met him at the airport. ?We hugged, she kissed me ... fully. I let her, but when she was done I could see that she finally got it. I told her to go home, and that was the last that I have talked to or seen her. And that, I guess, is that.?

I also asked the man whose fianc?e was treating his young daughter badly what had transpired since he wrote. In the original letter the father had recognized that his fianc?e, Janet, was less mature than his 8-year-old, but his main concern was that Janet, who couldn?t have kids, wanted to adopt and he didn?t feel she was ready to be a mother. I agreed she wasn?t, and added that his poor daughter shouldn?t have to put up with an evil stepmother and he should dump Janet. He wrote back to say that Janet continues to behave badly but that she has finally agreed to attend individual and couple?s counseling. He concluded: ?I've not taken your advice, although I know I should. I'm hanging in there, hoping my partner will change, although I know she won't.? If you?re reading this, Dad, save your daughter years of therapy and get Janet out of your lives.

Another letter writer?s experience underlined the excellent point that I worry about every time I suggest therapy: Some therapists are nuts. This woman had written in because her therapist was pushing an incest agenda on her, although none had occurred. I said she should cancel her next appointment and start looking for a therapist who could actually help her. She did that, and after another bad fit, she reported: ?I found one who actually listens to me and lets me guide where my therapy goes and I am much better for it. I am still drug free, have gotten a new great job, and am now working on building healthy relationships with my father.? As a reminder of how much letter writers leave out, she mentioned that she had been sexually abused, although not by her father. But a big issue in her life was that her father hadn?t protected her when she was young.

Source: http://feeds.slate.com/click.phdo?i=8ed87df0cfe11be710bfab9f89ba1872

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The Most Popular Scientific American Stories of 2012

Here are the stories you clicked on the most on our site

By The Editors

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1. 1. hanbroekman 07:38 AM 12/24/12

   The link for #1 is wrong

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2. 2. Chryses 07:56 AM 12/24/12

   Yes. #4. How Hollywood Is Encouraging Online Piracy, was n eye-opener for me.

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3. 3. Stagnaro 10:20 AM 12/24/12

   Admittedly, all most popular American Sceintific Stories are really interesting and fascinating. However, I find both enlightening and preoccupaying that readers showed to be no interested in papers suggesting new road, clinical in nature, in the war against today's growing epidemics, as CAD, type 2 DM, and Cancer.

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4. 4. jtdwyer 03:28 PM 12/24/12

   At least 'Zip past' was only mistyped "Zippast" in this link to article #7...

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Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=3cde08bf5311a83f3b1747aa1923e982

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Report: Women at Iran nuclear plant violate code

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) ? An Iranian lawmaker is saying Russian women working in the country's sole nuclear power plant do not observe the strict Islamic dress code, though they are paid extra to comply.

Under Iranian law, all women must cover themselves from head to toe in public.

A Tuesday report by the semiofficial ISNA news agency quotes Mahdi Mousavinejad, a representative of the southern Iranian port of Bushehr, where the plant is located, as saying violation of dress code by the Russian workers has had a "corrupting and negative impact" on his constituency.

Mousavinejad says he will report on the case to the Iranian parliament. He did not say how many women were involved or how much they were paid.

Russia says it will hand over the plant to Iranian engineers in mid-2013.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/report-women-iran-nuclear-plant-violate-code-145949965.html

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